"The car set a new benchmark, so we had to make changes to our scoring to account for it," Consumer Reports said at the time.

However, the publication updated its review of the car after it received the results of a survey from 1,400 Model S owners, who chronicled "an array of detailed and complicated maladies."

Owners complained about rattles, leaks and problems with the charging equipment, drivetrain and center console displays. The main problem areas involved the drivetrain, power equipment, charging equipment, the giant iPad-like center console, and body and sunroof squeaks, rattles and leaks.

The Tesla Model S wasn't the only high-performance vehicle that sank to a below-average reliability rating. Others include the BMW X5 and 5 Series, and the Chevrolet Corvette.

"When automakers roll out new technology, be it infotainment, transmissions, or engine variations, it often has a deleterious effect on vehicle reliability. Tesla is not only the poster child for a new type of high-performance, high-mileage EV [electric vehicle], but it also has been adding complex new variations as assembly-line updates, such as all-wheel drive this year," Consumer Reports said. "So it's not surprising to see problems continue to crop up."

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Tesla shares went on a wild ride after Consumer Reports withdrew its recommendation of the automaker's flagship Model S P85D sedan.

The Audi A7 and Lexus LS were tied at No. 2 in the luxury car owner satisfaction ratings, with scores of 84% -- well below the Tesla sedan's 97%.

Nevertheless, survey respondents focused on specific areas and the car scored this year than it had last year. Respondents said most problems were related to the climate control, steering and suspension systems.